La. Supreme Court censures Plaquemines justice of the peace for role in land transaction

The state Supreme Court has publicly reprimanded a Plaquemines Parish justice of the peace because he notarized a fraudulent real estate document that transferred ownership of two parcels in Dalcour to his son and daughter-in-law. Herbert G. Williams Jr. notarized the act of donation in February 2003, transferring ownership of the east bank propertiesto Herbert T. Williams and Constance Williams.

The land belonged to Joseph Larche of Georgia, who did not approve the donation and sued the Williamses in federal court in New Orleans three years ago upon learning of the transfer.

The Supreme Court found Williams broke state law by exceeding his authority as a justice of the peace when he notarized the transfer of immovable property.

"More disappointing is the fact that he allowed his family members to take advantage of his position by having him notarize a document without having all of the parties appear before him which he knew was a violation of the law," the court wrote in its ruling released Tuesday.

In addition to public censure, Williams was ordered to pay $1,657.56 to reimburse the state Judiciary Commission for the investigation.

Reached by phone Wednesday, Williams said he was unaware of the censure. "I don't know anything about it," he said.

Larche's federal lawsuit was dismissed last year, as part of a consent judgment that in part annulled the property transfer. According to the Supreme Court, Larche also received $1,250 from Williams in the settlement.

While the Supreme Court noted Williams cast a dim light on the judiciary, there was no evidence that he "exploited his judicial position for personal gain," the court said. Justices also noted Williams had no other complaints, and that he was "remorseful" for the "isolated instance of misconduct."

The Supreme Court accepted the Judiciary Commission's recommendation that Williams be censured. Associate Justice Jeffrey Victory dissented, saying he "would impose a harsher sanction." The Office of Special Counsel, which prosecuted Williams for the state, suggested he be suspended without pay for 60 days.

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Paul Purpura can be reached at ppurpura@timespicayune.com or 504.826.3791.